🔧 Starter Motor - Replacement

The starter on your Stinger sits low on the engine/transmission area and usually requires battery disconnect and under-vehicle access to remove safely. This job is doable at home, but space is tight and the electrical connections must be handled carefully.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal first. The starter has direct battery power.
• Wait at least 5 minutes after disconnecting the battery before working around electrical connectors.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of the exhaust and transmission case. These parts can stay hot for a long time.
• Do not short the starter power cable to ground.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Long extension
• Torque wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Starter electrical nut - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching starter wiring.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands.
• Take a photo of the wire routing first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use a 10mm socket to loosen and remove the negative battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot spring back and touch the post.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before continuing.

Step 2: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle.
• Support it with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Make sure the vehicle is stable before going underneath.

Step 3: Remove lower engine cover

• Use a 10mm socket or trim clip tool to remove the undertray fasteners.
• Lower the cover and set it aside.
• This opens access to the starter area near the transmission bellhousing.

Step 4: Locate the starter

• Find the starter mounted where the engine meets the transmission.
• Identify the large battery cable and the smaller control wire.
• Label the wires if needed.

Step 5: Disconnect the starter wiring

• Use a 12mm socket to remove the nut from the main power cable terminal.
• Remove the smaller connector by pressing its lock tab with a flat-head screwdriver if needed.
• Move both wires out of the way.

Step 6: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Use a 14mm socket, ratchet, and long extension to remove the starter bolts.
• Support the starter with one hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Carefully lower the starter from the vehicle.

Step 7: Install the new starter

• Position the new starter in place by hand.
• Start both mounting bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket to tighten the bolts.
• Torque to 44 Nm (32 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect starter wiring

• Reconnect the small control wire until it clicks or seats fully.
• Install the main power cable with a 12mm socket.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Make sure the cable cannot touch nearby metal parts.

Step 9: Reinstall the lower cover

• Lift the undertray back into position.
• Use the 10mm socket and trim clip tool to reinstall all fasteners.
• Make sure all clips are fully seated.

Step 10: Reconnect battery and test

• Reinstall the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and listen for a normal crank.
• Check for warning lights and verify the engine starts every time.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine several times to confirm consistent operation.
• Check that the starter cable and connector are secure.
• Inspect underneath for any loose panels or tools left behind.
• If the engine cranks but does not start, recheck the battery connection and starter wiring.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $550-$950 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $370-$570 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2.5-3.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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